Chapter 5 No.5

After we ate at the small restaurant, we decided to check into a nearby hotel so we could have some sleep. He wasn't able to complain anymore since I insisted and besides, the two of us are too tired to drive. It would be a big risk to drive.

I laid down on the bed while Josh was standing right across the terrace we rented. He was wearing a jacket while smoking.

"You look tense, what happened?" I got up from where I was laying and then leaned my head onto the headboard. He was still staring at the silent night where dawn was fast approaching.

"I'm just afraid that you'll be scolded since I took you home so late." Josh turned to look at me with a worried look on his face.

I can't help but admire the way he cares about the little things. I smiled.

"There is nothing to be afraid of, they didn't notice me going missing since all of their attention is always on Febi," I reassured him. I finally got up and snatched a cigarette stick from him before lighting it up.

"Sometimes, I feel worthless in my own house," I started again after sitting down on the floor of the terrace.  "I looked like a stranger to my own family while Febi is always treated like the daughter of my own parents. I honestly hate it. I hate how they could treat someone else like that but not their own daughter.

Again, the tears in my eyes started to well immediately. I guess this is my most vulnerable side. Just a mere mention of how they treat me makes me so mad that I could cry and at the same time sad.

I bit my lip and then closed my eyes for a second. I tried my best to take a deep breath.

It's true. I try to look for the attention I want from my parents to someone else and look where it got me.

I'm not a friendly person in nature. I don't get close to people just because it's a trend. Maybe because I've already been betrayed before, used and manipulated, I already lost the trust and will to make friends. I'm all alone, walking and fighting for my own.

"It sucks. I feel like I'm adopted. I can't even understand what my mother and my father were thinking. It is just so insulting that I'm their daughter but they're giving all of the privilege to someone else. They should have taken care of their child and not someone else's."

I was surprised to feel Josh sat beside me and caressed my back. I didn't even notice that I was already so emotional that my tears started to flow down now.

Damn it, I'm so weak.

"They may be treating you poorly, but I know that you're the best. You deserve to be taken care of and loved." Josh placed his arm right across my shoulder while he continued to look at the outside of the hotel.

The scene looked so captivating at the moment. His warm crossing his arm to my shoulders, the smell of cigarettes engulfing our room, the refreshing feeling of the cold breeze brushing past our skin and the scenery of the people starting to wake up and start the day again.

The sun was now rising while the chirps of the bird didn't fail to engulf the trees and the sky.

If only time would stop for a moment and we could stay happy together.

I'm already content like this and I hope it could last longer.

"I also believe that we need to take it slow. We don't need to take this into the next level because we have the time all to ourselves," Josh suddenly commented. "I want to show my sincerity to you, to prove that I am not like any other people and my intentions have always been pure."

His words took all of my breath. It's just surprising to hear him say those words when I've always known him to be a bad boy who wouldn't follow the rules.

His lips curled into a smile which happened to brush my heart softly. The way he smiles makes my being melt and I could never see someone as radiating as he is.

"You're making me flush red, stop it." I pushed him away which immediately made his arm removed from my shoulders.

Damn. Honestly, I'm disappointed whenever he removes his arms across mine since I yearn to touch him more.

It's just that, his warmth is nostalgic and pure. There was no evil intention in every little affection he showed me.

"So..." After a long while, I opened my mouth again. "How many women have you taken here in Tagaytay?" I asked out of the blue.

When I realized what I just asked, my eyes quickly widened in surprise and almost gasped.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to insult you or anything. Did I ask the wrong question? If it makes you uncomfortable then–"

He immediately cut me off by putting a finger right across my lips.

"No, it's alright and I'm not offended at all by your question,"  Josh said and gave me another narrow smile.

After a short while, he took a deep breath before staring straight into my orbs.

"I actually don't date and truth to be told, I just sleep around women and nothing serious follows," he said which made me blink my eyes.

Does that mean I'm a rarity?

Again, he took a deep breath. What's with him and his breath? Is he suffering from asthma or something?

"Are you alright? You keep signing," I asked, dumbfounded. He let out a chuckle.

"Reina, don't ruin the mood!" he said, almost sulking.

What the hell? He can actually make that kind of face?

"Fine, fine," I answered before I saw him take another breather.

I'm honestly starting to feel annoyed, seeing him do that.

"Actually since you were a freshman, I've always been interested in you." I stiffened from where I was sitting and managed to stay silent.

For that long? What?

"You looked pretty intimidating and hard to read at first and so I thought I didn't have any chance at all. I didn't want to go home empty handed and so I almost gave up," Josh explained which made my facial expression frown. "I put up from my own disappointment and vented all of my frustration over other women, however, when I realized I had the chance, I tried again."

How am I suppose to react to his confession? I don't know at all.

"When I had the chance, I grabbed it and didn't let go anymore. I thought I could get to know you better and I was not disappointed at all."

When he blinked his eyes, I took notice of his long eyelashes that seemed to best suit him. He had such captivating eyes, a pointed nose and an alluring kissable lips. I've never noticed it before until now.

"I was new to this kind of set up. You know, I never had any experience at all. And now that I think of it, it looked very fragile. I wanted to take care of it, to take care of us... especially you." His eyes slowly turned to look at me and I could see nothing but the stars and moon touching.

It might have sounded like a poem but this sort of words could only be told when you are in love and the person like you could swim up the waves, only to give you one flower.

"I'm just the same as you," I replied after a long while. "I'm new to this because I have closed myself for so long. I even thought at the back of my head that someday, I might just grow all alone until I wilt and yet... you came," I continued before a small smile crept into my lips. "I was so scared to accept new people because I found out that most people almost worshipped Febi for her attention-seeking game. From my own home to even outside, she was all other people kept on screaming and it was exhausting."

Just remembering her name makes my blood boil again. Damn, just when we were having a great time, I ruined it by thinking of her. I rolled my eyes.

I'm not against her being a daughter of a maid. I'm also not against my parents giving her gifts as a token of a thank you. What I'm really against is how good she's pretending and how she's stealing everything from me.

It's also so tiresome to see her use people so others could sympathize with her. She wants to act like the victim but she's the one to blame for everything.

This is not just a hunch. I could feel it at the very tip of my bones. She's doing this so she could gain everyone's attention.

I'm sure that she's even using me so she could gain everyone's positive side and I could be the villain in her own story.

Well, too had. I really am the villainess in her story. I'll make it come true if it's the last thing I do.

If she's a bitch then I'm no different.

Although, what's funny is how she's not even liked by the person she likes. Josh didn't buy her act and immediately pushed her away.

So much for her acting, it went all for nothing.

"You're the first woman that I have treated this way and sometimes, I just can't believe how no one has ever courted you even once." Josh's words pulled me back to reality.

A devilish smirk crept into my lips.

"Well, it's not my fault that they're scared and if I'm not mistaken, all of the men that I have turned down came to Febi instead," I answered.

"Is that so?" Josh asked and I only nodded my head. "Then do you know why a lot of men are courting her instead?"

I raised one of my eyebrows, unsure of the answer. "Why?" I asked and then drank from my bottle.

"Because she's easy to get. She's easy to take into bed and easy to use. Maybe she thinks that men are fawning over her because of her looks but actually, it's all because men can put their dicks inside of her however they want."

I froze. What did he just say?

"The varsity team, most of them have already fucked her. One of my friends said that she even agreed in a foursome inside their locker room–"

Upon saying those words, I immediately gagged onto the alcohol I was drinking. What the fuck?

I couldn't help but cough several times before I felt him pat me on the back. My throat suddenly felt sore.

"Y-You're kidding, right?" I asked, instead of minding myself.

Josh only shook his head.

Wow, I can't believe that she already stooped so low just to gain attention.

"Unfortunately, I'm not. That's what I learn through my friends and truth to be told, I don't want my woman fucked by several men already," Josh said, squinting his eyes. It seemed like he's irritated whenever he is also reminded of Febi. "I'm possessive and I want my woman all to my own." A creepy smile drew onto his lips while looking at me.

I turned away. Well, he really sounded possessive from the tone he was doing and he proved it once when we were at the canteen and he fucking pushed someone who was coming near me.

I admit it, I didn't notice it at first until now.

"Well, too bad for you then?" I teased him. His forehead creased. "I've been in a relationship before and–"

"Don't lie, Reina. I've been watching you since your freshman days and you just decline your suitors instantly."

My cheeks immediately reddened from his words. What the hell? Does he have no shame, admitting it straight to my face?

He's like a stalker who has no modesty at all. My heartbeat immediately raced as the blood on my body continued to rise up to my cheeks. It feels so hot now, despite the cold breeze still brushing past my skin.

"Hey, I'm not a stalker, okay? I just follow you around in campus and nothing more. I'm not some stalker who even follows you even after you go home, I know how to respect boundaries," Josh said, defending himself.

What? That's still partial stalking!

He winked at me and smiled. "But honestly, you're different when I see you outside campus," he added. "I can't help my curiosity, I've been wanting to know more about you."

Because of all the embarrassing words he's saying, I couldn't help but strike him in the shoulders. He's even trying to act cute, pouting at me like he didn't do something so creepy.

"You're crazy as fuck, stop teasing me," I said while frowning and Josh only scratched his head.

Honestly, now that I got to know him better, it's less creepy and more sweet to me now. I couldn't help but laugh at his confession while he gave me a sheepish smile.

During the time we were enjoying ourselves, he suddenly touched my cheeks and I could feel the coldness of his hand. It was rough and yet comfortable. I loved the sensation.

It's when we're together do I feel so safe and strong.

"Reina," he called out, making my eyes drew towards his. "You're beautiful, inside and out. Nothing's wrong with you and I want to say that you're the best for me that's why I'm also trying to be the best for you as well," Josh said before leaning in.

I thought he was going to give me a kiss but he leaned forward towards my shoulders.

Damn it.

"You deserve every little good thing that's why I want to show you all my good side," he added that made my heart melt.

I thought that cheesy lines before were nothing but cringe words that looked gross and nonsense, but I guess when you're in love, those words sound so good to the ear, as though you have never heard from someone else before.

"We will make some good and bad memories but that will make us grow stronger together. We'll build our own selves while also looking for each other."

My lips curled into the sweetest smile. This are the times I want the world to stop and just let me enjoy it.

"I am happy to be with you. Thank for this date." Those were the last words that escaped my lips as I finally felt my body grow tired.

The sun was rising and the only man who was capable to put me at ease and saw me sleeping in front of him was none other than Josh.

...

I waved to Josh when I was already at the gate of my house. He already sent me home in the morning while my car still started inside the parking lot of the convenience store near our area.

I'll probably just take it later.

Once I turned away from him and I heard the engine of his go, a huge grin erupted through my lips.

I felt so satisfied staying with him for a little longer.

I quietly entered the gate and took notice of the staff busy with their jobs. The maids were already sweeping right across the garden, the gardener was busy watering the plants and the guard did not speak a word when he saw me walking.

I walked as though I didn't do anything bad. Well, I really didn't do anything bad–aside from shoplifting.

Once I cane through the huge door plastered in front of me, I took notice of the empty hallway.

It was already seven o' clock in the morning but there doesn't seem to be any people yet at the dining area.

I slowly walked towards my room and immediately took a bath. Afterwards, I prepared my things and then had some time to fix myself in front of the mirror.

I was staring right across my reflection when I happen to notice my face. There was a gaping excitement flashed onto it and I guess I couldn't help it. I'm just overjoyed!

I out on my shoes after a long time of preparing and then hanged my bag across my shoulders afterwards.

Once I finished with everything, I walked towards my door and took a deep breath.

It's time to prepare for the examination.

I walked down the stairs and then headed straight to the kitchen when I took notice of my mom's back. Just as I was about to turn away and immediately escape, it was too late.

"Reina, we need to talk."

I turned around to face her direction, only to see her walking towards me.

What does she want?

Instead of running away anymore, I only grabbed onto a plate and ignored her. I walked and then grabbed some cooked bacon for me to enjoy.

"Reina, I am talking to you, aren't I not?" She used a deeper voice and tried to command me.

I tried my best not to roll my eyes at her and opened my mouth.

"I am listening, Mama." I scooped a few of my bacon and stuffed it into my mouth.

"Febi wanted to ask for your help in her project earlier and took notice that you weren't there. It was six o' clock in the morning," Mom said.

I stopped for second and almost rolled my eyes at her, trying to come up with an excuse.

"I jogged, Mama," I said, not thinking too much. I only continued with the food in my plate when she almost hit the table hard.

"Stop lying, young woman. You jogged at the middle of two o' clock in the morning. I also asked the guard and he said that you indeed left!"

I scoffed and just looked at my mother with an unemotional eyes.

Wow, what a good timing. My dad also came home when I'm being scolded.

"So you already knew that I left and lied to you but you're still asking me?" I chuckled sarcastically.

Papa happens to get in between me and Mama and immediately slapped me right across the cheeks. At the same time, I saw Febi walking with a plate on her hand. When our eyes met, she immediately run away.

I'm sure she did it on purpose again so I could be scolded.

"You were with that guy who was being ignored at the campus, weren't you? Are you really insane; trying to ruin your own life?" It was now Papa's turn to scold me. He raised his voice at me and I could feel my body trembling from mixed anger, fear and sadness.

I took a deep breath. They're testing my temper.

"Just because you have a bad impression on him doesn't mean that he is a bad person! Why don't you try asking Febi? I knew that she really liked Josh and she will say that you're thinking too much to it!"

I grabbed into my bag and immediately walked.

"You're not like this, Reina. Josh is not the right guy for you." Just hearing it straight from their mouth made me want to hurl.

My blood was boiling and I feel like my heart could explode at any moment from all this heated argument.

However, I tried my best to keep calm. I still respect them, nonetheless.

I took a deep breath before opening my mouth. "I've been missing for a long time and never told you once and this is the only time you've noticed?" I said and then finally turned away from them.

I could hear my dad and my mom shouting, calling for my name but I never looked at them anymore. I feel so fed up from their constant scolding, they don't even feel so real anymore.

They wouldn't understand me... or more like, they choose not to understand me and just go with whatever they want.

However, my thoughts are not so sentimental to waver from just their scolded. Moreover, my blood is boiling for Febi.

That bitch is declaring war with me and this is the last straw. If she's so ungrateful then mark my words, I'll get into her nerves as well.

I walked out of the house and then went straight outside. It's a good thing that I left my car near the convenience store since because of that attention-seeker's game, I could have been grounded from using my car and I won't have any other choice.

I opened the door to my car and immediately shut it when I came in. Afterwards, I drove towards the school and with my forehead creased, I swore to myself.

"I will do everything I could so that woman will fall and crawl onto her two knees and two hands. I'll make sure she's going down until she'll be scared all her life."